Effects of polychaetes (Perinereis nuntia) on sperm performance of the domesticated black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

• Published in: Aquaculture 2014-09, Vol.433, p.266-275
• Main Authors: Leelatanawit, Rungnapa, Uawisetwathana, Umaporn, Khudet, Jutatip, Klanchui, Amornpan, Phomklad, Suwanchai, Wongtripop, Somjai, Angthoung, Pacharaporn, Jiravanichpaisal, Pikul, Karoonuthaisiri, Nitsara
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal aquaculture; Animal productions; Annelida and closely related phyla: sipuncula. Echiura. Nemertinea; Biological and medical sciences; Crustacea; Crustaceans; Effects; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Invertebrates; Maturation; Monodon; Penaeus monodon; Perinereis nuntia; Polychaetes; Shellfish; Shrimp reproductive maturation; Sperm; Sperm morphology; Sperm performance; Worms
• ISSN: 0044-8486; 1873-5622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2014.06.034

Sand polychaetes (Perinereis nuntia) have been used as a live feed to boost reproductive maturation before mating in hatchery farms in Thailand. However, no study has evaluated the effect of polychaetes on performance and physiology of the sperm of the domesticated black tiger shrimp (Penaues monodon). Therefore, this study aims to study the effects of sand polychaetes on growth, survival, reproductive performance and sperm physiology and morphology of domesticated male broodstock P. monodon. After feeding with either polychaetes or commercial pellets for four weeks, growth and survival rates of polychaete-fed group were significantly higher than those of pellet-fed group. Spermatophore weight and total sperm counts of the polychaete-fed group were significantly higher than those of the pellet-fed group at Weeks 3 and 4, whereas % abnormal sperm cells and % acrosome reaction of polychaete-fed group were significantly lower and higher than those of pellet-fed group only at Week 4, respectively. Physiology of spermatophores in the polychaete-fed group was white and opaque while that of the pellet-fed group was pigmented. Morphological changes of sperm revealed less abnormal sperms (misshaped half, misshaped head, and misshaped tails) in the polychaete-fed group. Nutritional analysis revealed that polychaetes have significantly higher total protein, fat contents and essential fatty acids (arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids) but significantly lower fiber content. Moreover, histological analysis of hepatopancreas revealed more vacuoles, which are storages for glycogen and lipids in the polychaete-fed group than in the pellet-fed group. Therefore, this study provides an evidence that polychaetes provide benefits to growth, survival and sperm performance for boosting reproductive maturation in male domesticated broodstock Penaeus monodon. •We study the effects of sand polychaetes on reproduction of domesticated male shrimp.•Polychaetes improved growth and survival rates, sperm weight, sperm count•Physiology of sperm sacs from pellet and polychaete groups was different.•Morphological changes of sperm revealed less abnormal sperms in polychaete group.•Histology of hepatopancreas revealed more vacuoles in polychaete group.